I crocheted these bracelets using Aunt Lydia's Double Strand Crochet Thread. Aunt Lydia's Double Strand Crochet Thread combines two contrasting colors of crochet threads (each size 10) into one for fantastic special effects. I used Chambray/Navy, White/White, and Burgundy/Victory Red. I sewed an American Flag button on each of these bracelets to top off the patriotic look. The bracelets close with a clear snap that was sewed onto each end.

The cloths are great to be used as wash cloths, dusting cloths or even as prayer cloths. I have made up some of these in the past, prayed over them for certain individuals for healing and presented the cloth to them. There's no magic in them, but it's simply a tangible prayer, a reminder to a friend that someone is praying for them. Our prayers do have power. :)

These cloths were made up using Sugar N Cream Cotton and a cabled afghan hook. For the shell cloth, I used a pattern from a tunisian baby blanket book I have. The other cloth I just used a combination of stitches found at Annie's Attic.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Design by Laura Gebhardt. Found in October 2006 issue of Crochet World, page 36.

Besides the baby layettes I have done, this is the first sweaterI have attempted to make. It was supposed to be for my 4 year old son, but was too small. Evidently my tension is tighter than Laura's. That's probably why there's a gauge in the pattern, huh? Maybe next time I'll look into checking my gauge. Oh, well. It worked out ok for Logan, my 2 year old and I was able to make some notes to myself about the pattern so that when I make one for Kenny next, it will fit him much better. :)

I used some worsted weight yarn had stashed away - white, light blue, medium blue and dark blue. The two darker colors are Caron Simply Soft. I also used an I hook.

***Note to self for future pullovers*** Leave about a 12" to 15" tail for stripe for assembly. It will make for a more "seamless" look and be faster than weaving those ends in each time a stripe is finished. :faint:

I've also measured my 4 year old this time and will make the sweater custom for him.

Monday, October 23, 2006

I am so enjoying making blankets and shawls and especially using the Homespun. Yum!
This new blanket is about 62" x 42". I used Homespun Sierra, an N hook and this pattern.
Don't let the lacy look of the blanket fool you. This yarn is thick and will keep you warm. As I was crocheting it, I had to keep it off my lap because it was so warm. And my home is never above 76.

Lately I have been getting scripture stuck in my head as I crochet certain pieces. I remember a song sung by one of our worship leaders and it went, "there'll be streams in the desert places", I think the song was called A New Thing. This song kept going through my head while I crocheted this. So I am attaching this scripture to the blanket:

Isaiah 43:18-21
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I proved water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chose, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Garment of Praise - Ezekiel 1, Psalm 30:11 - You have turned my mourning into dancing, Isaiah 61:3 - A crown of beauty instead of ashes ~ oil of gladness instead of mourning ~ garment of praise instead of despair, I Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you, Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

Deep Calls Unto Deep - Psalm 42:7,8 - Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me ` a prayer to the God of my life, Psalm 23: 1-3 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his names' sake, Psalm 1:3 - He is like a tree planted by streams of water, with yields it's fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

I crocheted this the same way as "Garment of Praise" using Regency Homespun. This shawl measures 19" x 75" including fringe.

Both of these shawls are currently for sale (as of 10/14/06) for $46.88 each. If you are interested, please visit my web page, Busy Bee's Crochet.